Experience Culture Directly at the Doorstep of the Parkhotel Maximilian in Allgäu

A small town with a huge cultural offering: The imposing 1250-year-old monastery in Ottobeuren defines the cultural life with its classical concerts. But modern art also plays an important role. And don't forget Father Kneipp ...

Monastery Concerts: Enjoy sacred architecture and culture combined with music

The monastery shines brightly on a small hill just a short walk from Parkhotel Maximilian. Visitors are often in awe at its size: It is one of the largest and oldest Benedictine abbeys in Europe. Monks have been praying and working here for 1250 years. The abbots were Prince Regnants and powerful politicians. Before Ottobeuren was secularised to Bavaria in 1802 it was part of the self-ruling imperial abbey along with 27 other villages.

According to Georg Dehio's "Handbook of German Art Monuments" the splendid 18th century baroque Basilica is "one of the most elegant sacred buildings of all time" and as part of the monastery in Ottobeuren it is also the landmark of Allgäu. The lush white and golden embellishments symbolize a bridge between heaven and earth in the baroque understanding of art.

The most beautiful way to view the monastery is while listening to the monastery concerts which run from May to October. They take place in the Ottobeuren Basilica and in the "Kaisersaal", the Emperor's Hall, which holds statues of 16 Habsburg emperors. Karajan and Bernstein are just a few of the famous musicians who have appeared in this concert series. Regular musical meditations also take place as well as organ concerts on the world-famous Riepp organ (February to November, Saturdays at 4 p.m.)

We will be happy to arrange for tickets to the monastery concerts in Ottobeuren.

Modern Art & Culture in Allgäu / Ottobeuren

Ottobeuren has an active art scene. Diether Kunerth is the most famous artist and the Museum of Modern Art was opened in his honour in 2014. It exhibits his expressive, abstract and colourful paintings and sculptures. The Museum is close to the Ottobeuren Basilica and, with its modern architecture and sculpture garden, establishes an exciting dialogue between the contemporary and the baroque.

A vist to the Erich-Schickling-Stiftung in Eggisried (close to Ottobeuren) is also worthwhile. Erich Schicklings glass windows decorate many churches and public buildings in Bavaria.

Lively, diverse and open: that's culture in Ottobeuren!

Father Kneipp & the Ottobeurener Kneipp-Aktiv-Park

Works of art line the paths of the Ottobeuren Kneipp Active Park, which is only a short walk from the Parkhotel Maximilian. The Park, close to the Benedictine Abbey, is dedicated to your health and the triad of nature, culture and Benedictine spirituality.

The holistic natural healing methods of Sebastian Kneipp, a catholic priest, seem more relevant today than ever before. He was born in the Ottobeuren district of Stephansried and was christened in the monastery church. You can experience hisdoctrine of health with all your senses in the Kneipp Active Park (with a monastery meadow, Ulrich fountain, wading pool, arm bath, walking meadow, meditation garden and guiet places - all part of the 5 pillars: Movement, Water, Nutrition, Herbs and lifestyle.) Two local prigimage paths. the Ulrich and Maria paths, lead directly through the park.